5 Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Picture this scenario. Your partner surprises you after work with a bouquet of flowers and he tells you he's made reservations at your favorite restaurant. The gesture couldn't be nicer, but when you inform him that you have a prior commitment with your best friend he becomes angry and insulting.

Seconds later, he swears he was only joking and he says he loves you more than life itself. These reactions are not your fault, nor are they normal components of a healthy relationship. They're indications you're entering dangerous territory in your relationship and you need to evaluate whether to continue seeing him [source: Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness; In His Steps].

Beware of the Unpredictable

Does it seem like your relationship is a proverbial roller coaster and each twist, turn, drop and rise is unpredictable? Mood swings in your partner are a telling sign of an abusive relationship. It may not even be a day-to-day difference, but a moment-to-moment change in demeanor.